Chapter 5 #2
Her new awareness allowed Jane to see her father’s faults as well.
Although he had the power to guide and protect his family, rather than help them, he hid away in his study.
Except for time with Lizzy, he was only with his family outside of meals when it suited him, and then it was for his own benefit; his entertainment, more often than not at the expense of his wife and daughters.
Only once all the stale bread Cook had kept for the cousins was thrown to the quacking ducks and silent swans did the children agree to return to their house.
Jane walked next to Lilly on one side; at twelve, she thought herself too old to hold Jane’s hand like May was doing on the other side.
Eddy and Peter walked with Nurse and the footman who had been with them in the park.
Once they had all been divested of their outerwear, and after hugging their mother, the older three went to their lessons with the governess, and May went to have a nap in the nursery with Nurse escorting her. With the children gone, Jane and her aunt made for the drawing room.
“Jane dear, this letter arrived for you while you were out with the children; it is from Lizzy,” Maddie said as she handed the missive over.
“Are you sanguine with my reading it now?” Jane requested.
“Of course I am; read away,” Maddie allowed. “Unless there is anything not for my eyes, I will peruse it after you.”
After nodding, Jane sat on the comfortable sofa and broke Lizzy’s seal.
3 April 1812
The Parsonage
Hunsford
My dearest sister, Jane,
I am so pleased that I can tell how much happier you are from your letters.
Please return the Easter wishes my aunt and uncle sent me, even if Easter is almost a week past. This is, after all, my first letter since before the holy day.
So much has happened, Jane, and there is no one I need to speak to but you. However, some of the subjects I need to canvass can only be done in person and certainly not via the post. Another reason I need to tell you in person is that you will think me funning you if I wrote all here.
All I will say here, is that I have been nonsensical about many things! Yes, you read those words from me; I too am able to admit when I see I have erred.
I am so very pleased that you have not had the misfortune of seeing the supercilious sisters since Aunt Maddie evicted them from her house. I have said this before, but I would have so much wanted to be there to see Aunt Maddie in the role of avenging angel.
On that subject, I believe that your former false friend will soon regret her actions. My feeling is that it will not be too long before Miss Bingley feels the consequences of her dissembling.
If you are willing to, Mr Darcy has requested permission to see that despicable letter of lies Miss Bingley sent you.
He almost chuckled at what she said about him, but he is not willing to allow what she said about the young lady go unchallenged.
I believe he is concerned she will deny her words without incontrovertible proof.
(When I see you, I will explain how it is that he is aware of the letter and its contents.)
The man said that if you agree, you may post it to Darcy House in Grosvenor Square, or, if you and the Gardiners prefer, he will have it collected; just have Uncle Edward send a note to Mr Darcy, and he will send a man to collect it or do so himself.
Enough about anything to do with that shrewish harpy.
(Sorry, if that is too much for you Jane.)
Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam departed Kent earlier today. That means that he will be in London by the time you receive this epistle from me. It is up to you whether or not you agree to provide him with that disgusting missive you have.
By the by, now that her nephews are no longer in residence, we have been invited to Rosings Park twice since their departure as now Lady Catherine does not have better company to entertain her.
During the fortnight or so they were here, we were only invited twice, and once I had a megrim which caused me to remain at the parsonage. It passed soon enough, so I am well.
As much as I have enjoyed my time here (for the most part), I cannot wait until the morning of our departure, when Maria and I will be on our way to you.
Of course, I will miss Charlotte, but I cannot repine leaving so I do not have to see, or listen to, Cousin Collins, hopefully for a period of long duration.
It may sound uncharitable after I was hosted in his house for nigh on a month. However, Mr Collins has never ceased importuning me about what I lost by not accepting his proposal. Poor Charlotte, she was more mortified each time her husband tries to prove that I made an error. I DID NOT!
I do feel sympathy for our friend, but as I said in a previous letter, she made her choice while knowing what kind of man she agreed to marry.
Her choice was her own establishment rather than compatibility with her husband.
I suspect that the attraction of being the mistress of Longbourn one day was something which helped her decide to accept him.
The above is pure speculation as Charlotte and I have never had that discussion. It is not something I have broached, and neither has she. Unlike her husband with his hints and innuendo, I know that Charlotte wishes Papa a very long and good life.
If it were not for the fact that Maria would be vastly disappointed if we departed sooner than we are scheduled and there are only a few days until we do, I would ask Uncle Edward to send the carriage to collect me as soon as may be.
However, I will be patient and wait for the original date of my departure to arrive.
It is not that I want to be away from Charlotte; rather, I am missing all of you.
Do not write again, Dearest, as I will not either. We will see one another soon enough.
As always, my warmest regards to Aunt Maddie, Uncle Edward, Lilly, Eddy, Peter, and May.
With all of my sisterly affection,
Lizzy
As there was nothing personal in the missive, Jane handed it to Aunt Maddie while she considered Lizzy’s words.
When Maddie finished reading, she returned the pages to Jane who folded it and inserted it into her pocket. “Will you allow Mr Darcy to see the letter?” She asked.
“I will!” Jane exclaimed with no delay. “I agree with Lizzy; it is time for Miss Bingley to feel the effects of her actions. I would not feel comfortable posting it, but if Uncle Edward will send a note to Mr Darcy, I am willing to hand it to him, and he may do with it what he will.”
“You will not hear any disagreement from me. We will speak to your uncle when he is home from work; I am sure he will dispatch a note first thing in the morning,” Maddie agreed.
“What do you think would have occasioned Lizzy to have a conversation with Mr Darcy in which the letter and its contents would be discussed?” Jane wondered.
“That, Jane dear, is something only she can tell us if she so chooses.”